Nearly 60% of Rio Grande do Norte’s Exports in March Came from Fruit Farming

A trade balance bulletin released Monday (April 7) by the Secretariat for Economic Development, Science, Technology and Innovation (SEDEC) highlighted fruit farming as the primary driver of exports from Rio Grande do Norte in March. According to the report, five products related to the fruit production chain accounted for 58.6% of the state’s total monthly exports.

Other cane sugars led the list, generating $7.1 million in revenue, followed by fresh melons ($6.5 million), other animal-origin products not suitable for human consumption ($4.3 million), fresh watermelons ($3.2 million), and fresh papayas ($2.3 million).

The bulletin also indicated that five countries accounted for nearly 70% (69.9%) of Rio Grande do Norte’s total exports. In March, the United States was the state’s main trading partner, purchasing $10.5 million in goods. Other top destinations included Senegal ($5.5 million), the Netherlands ($5.2 million), Spain ($3.9 million), and the United Kingdom ($2.8 million).

According to the report, the state recorded $39.9 million in exports and $36.9 million in imports in March, resulting in a positive trade balance of $3 million.

“These results reflect the diversification of Rio Grande do Norte’s commercial portfolio and the growing presence of its products in new markets. In addition, the positive trade balance highlights the state’s competitiveness,” SEDEC noted.

Imports

On the import side, other wheat and wheat-rye blends (excluding for sowing) ranked at $7.9 million, followed by other types of gasoline (excluding aviation fuel) at $7.1 million. Photovoltaic cells mounted in modules or panels totaled $4.6 million, bituminous coal (non-agglomerated) reached $1.6 million, and frozen squid came in at $1.1 million.

SEDEC highlighted the inclusion of a renewable energy product (photovoltaic cells) in third place and the appearance of a new item — bituminous coal — in the top five. Together, these five products accounted for 60.4% of the state’s total imports in March 2025.

China was Rio Grande do Norte’s top supplier, with $9.2 million in goods, followed by Uruguay ($8.1 million), the Netherlands ($7.4 million), Argentina ($1.7 million), and Colombia ($1.6 million). Combined, these countries made up 75.8% of the state’s total imports for the period.

Top Exported Products in March (in million USD – FOB Value)

• Other cane sugars, chemically pure sucrose – $7.1
• Fresh melons – $6.5
• Other animal-origin products not suitable for human consumption – $4.3
• Fresh watermelons – $3.2
• Fresh papayas – $2.3

Top Imported Products in March (in million USD – FOB Value)

• Other types of wheat and wheat-rye blends (excluding for sowing) – $7.9
• Other types of gasoline, excluding aviation – $7.1
• Photovoltaic cells mounted in modules or panels – $4.6
• Bituminous coal, non-agglomerated – $1.6
• Frozen squid – $1.1

Sources: SEDEC Economic Bulletin, De Fato.com

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